Hope-Junior Herimbi (born September 19, 1996), known to his fan’s & peers as Hopemasta is a South African recording artist, music producer and DJ from Sebokeng in The Vaal. He has worked with some of SA’s best Hip Hop talent & produced a few hits along the way. Hopemasta is now ready to step out into the spotlight with the release of his solo EP “Mastapieces.” Kool Out caught up with the young musician & talked his up bringing, music & future.

First off what’s good Hope? Please introduce yourself for those that don’t know?

Wassup Kool Out!!! My name is Hope-Junior Herimbi, professionally known as Hopemasta. I am a 21-year old artist from The Vaal currently working in Johannesburg.

So, tell us when did your journey into music all start?

My journey into music started at the tender age of 8. I used to sit in my brother’s bedroom studio in our house and watch him working with his clique (6 Feet) at the time. They inspired me to start working on my own music because what I saw them do seemed really cool. I started making beats on my brother’s old computer in 2004, eventually, I got my own computer in 2006 and started making music with my 2 cousins. It has been progression ever since!

“I focused more on being a producer more than writing lyrics and rapping, that’s why many would not know that I actually can rap.”

You have always been known as a producer now you have transcended into a recording artist. Have you always had aspirations of becoming a performance artist?

I actually started off as a performance artist who makes their own beats. It’s just that my production work got more recognition over the years and I decided to carry that production credit more than my own music. Throughout my high school years (2010-2014) I focused more on being a producer more than writing lyrics and rapping, that’s why many would not know that I actually can rap. To answer the question, I would say YES! I have always had aspirations of being a performance artist.

Your apart of 2 collectives Boyz Upstairs & Kandy Koated Music. Can you tell us more about them & what role you play in the crews?

The Boyz Upstairs comprises of Mr Instro, Real Noyas and myself. We are a music production crew that has worked with Reason on his latest album “Love Girls”. We collaborate with each other with regards to music production. I play the role of producing beats and also engineering the music that we make.

Kandy Koated Music is an entity/label made up of 4 recording artists. Espiquet, Hopemasta, Lefa M and Cye. My role in this entity is multi-faceted. I record music, produce it, engineer it and make the executive decision on the entity’s music.

You have produced hits like Bump The Cheese Up, No Sleep & Celebrity for Reason what is it like working with the GhaaaAHDbody MC & who else are you currently working with?

Working with Reason is always a lesson. I really enjoy the process of making the music because the ideas come naturally. He would explain to me what kind of feeling he wants to capture and I try my best to match-up with what his vision sounds like. (If that makes sense, haha!) I am also working with Moozlie on her EP and Sounds Of Kamo, who is an incredibly talented female vocalist and a student at Wits.

“Mastapieces is a representation of my art.”

So, you recently dropped a solo project titled Mastapieces & it’s your first offering as a solo recording artist & 2nd project since your Beatsmith mixtape back in 2013. Tell us more about the project?

Mastapieces is a representation of my art. It shows versatility in the kind of music that I can do. I captured all the feelings that I wanted to express in it and I made sure that I didn’t give too much away so that people stay captivated.

How many tracks are on the EP & who did you work with on the project?

Mastapieces has 5 tracks. I worked with Bongani Mnguni on the production of the Intro & Outro and “Murder”. Sounds Of Kamo is on the second track called “Murder”. She did backing vocals on the second half of the song. I also worked with Mo Artwell and Espiquet, who are both very talented rappers on “Time Don’t Matter”.

What do you hope (no pun intende) to achieve with Mastapieces?

I hope Mastapieces broadens my artistic expression. I’d like to rock massive crowds and present my music in the most unique way possible, visually. Like a Masterpiece would be presented, haha!

“It has become a bit of a challenge to get the music to play at a massive reach”

What have been your toughest challenges as a musician in the industry?

My toughest challenges as a musician in the industry has been the marketing process of the music. It has become a bit of a challenge to get the music to play at a massive reach, i.e radio and TV.

What can we expect from Hopemasta in the future?

You can expect amazing visuals from Hopemasta. I am planning to present my Mastapieces with very rare visual art that matches the music!

Where can we find you & how can one go about beat & feature enquiries?

You can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @Hopemasta. If an artist is looking to acquire production or a feature from me, they could simply email info@promiseland.co.za and we shall discuss a way forward.

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KKool Out Concepts is a South African based nightlife brand focusing on Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, and Jazz. We host live music events in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. We are also a creative agency that consults for brands on unique campaigns. Find out more here.